Smoking history is negatively associated with allergen specific immunotherapy efficacy: a retrospective analysis.

Introduction: Allergen specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only treatment modifying the course of the disease in patients allergic to airborne allergens. It has been proven to be effective in allergic populations, however individual patients vary in terms of response to the therapy.

Aim: To assess the factors that might affect the efficacy of AIT.

Cystatin C peptidomimetic derivative with antimicrobial properties as a potential compound against wound infections.

A peptidomimetic called A20 (Cystapep 1) structurally based upon the N-terminal fragment of human cystatin C is known to have strong antibacterial properties. A20 is characterized by high activity against several bacterial strains often isolated from infected wounds, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).

[Application of basophil activation test in diagnosing aspirin hypersensitivity].

In the face of increasing prevalence of hypersensitivity reactions, introduction of effective, reliable and safe methods plays a crucial role in their diagnosing. Among the currently available laboratory (in vitro) methods is basophil activation test (BAT). It is a flow- cytometry based assay that allows to identificate in the blood sample basophils and additionally to asses the degree of cell activation after exposure to an antigen.

[Analysis of deaths caused by obstructive pulmonary diseases in Pomerania province in 2001-2004].

Introduction: Lung diseases, especially COPD, are one of the leading causes of death. The aim of the study was to assess mortality caused by COPD, asthma and cor pulmonale in the years 2001-2004 in the Pomerania province.

Material And Methods: Death certificates of patients who died of asthma, COPD or cor pulmonale registered in Regional Health Centre were analyzed.

[Side effects of specific immunotherapy in patients with hymenoptera venom allergy].

The aim of this study was to estimate safety of specific immunotherapy to insects' venom. The frequency of side effects was compared in two groups of patients: subjects with hypersensitivity to insects' venom only and patients with allergy to other allergens. In the examined group of 32 patients with Hymenoptera venoms allergy skin prick tests with common aeroallergens were performed in 30 subjects.